I think the major cost saving is having smaller ships means less port side infrastructure, so even if we do upgrade the port to modern standards, it will still be cheaper.

My understanding is we're buying two ships, which will be identical.

Also, forty rail cars is a lot, each one is equivalent to a fully loaded truck at least.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 days ago (3 children)

I think the major cost saving is having smaller ships means less port side infrastructure, so even if we do upgrade the port to modern standards, it will still be cheaper.

Does that include $1B in cancellation costs? (number from near end of article)

It will be interesting to see when they announce the cost. I'm not sure they even know, it doesn't seem like they have asked for quotes yet. Just browsed for ferries on trade me.

Also, forty rail cars is a lot, each one is equivalent to a fully loaded truck at least.

We currently have one ferry that can take 27 rail cars. Are the new ones intended to replace the old ones or work alongside them? I'm assuming replace them. So I hope both of the new ferries can take rail, as every time someone drives Aratere into something the rail capacity vanishes:

As of 2024, Aratere is New Zealand's only rail ferry. When the vessel is not available, rail freight between the North and South Islands must be transferred to trucks, driven onto other Cook Strait ferries, and then transferred back to rail after the crossing, with associated additional time and cost.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago (2 children)

It's not explicitly said in the article, but the ships will be sister ships, from my understanding, and will be replacing the entire fleet.

Also, the original vessels were $550 mil for the pair, no way is the cancellation cost more than that.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Hmm the $1B number came from Labour. They are probably referring to a total cost of the project, which would not all be wasted as that investigative work would form the basis of the new plan.

Interesting how the project was ballooning to possibly $4B. That's some massive cost to build new terminals. I'd support spending it if they build the southern one near Blenheim instead of Picton, for cutting the journey time.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago

Yeah, it had ballooned to more than double their initial estimate, quite frankly, I don't trust Labour's numbers on any of this.

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